To what extent is the justice system fair and equitable for youth? Unit 2 To what extent is the justice system fair and equitable for youth?

Important Terms to Know justice system The institutions and procedures for applying laws in a society Extrajudicial measures (on test) effective and timely non-court responses to less serious offences

Fundamental Principle A person is assumed innocent until proven guilty

In what way would you want justice to be “blind”? What would you want justice to weigh in the balance?

How do Canada’s justice system and the Youth Criminal Justice Act attempt to treat young offenders fairly and equitably?

Vancouver Riots Who should face consequences? What consequences would be just? In 2011, after the Canucks lost the Stanley Cup Final, the city erupted in riots. Police arrested anyone involved in the rioting.

Why do you think it might be hard for an offender and a victim to face each other?

p. 61-63 Do you agree that the consequences this young offender faced were fair for her and for the person she wronged? What other consequences might she have faced?

In your opinion, what factor had the biggest impact on this young offender’s change of attitude? Why? What life lessons can you learn from her story?

How are youth justice and adult justice different in Canada?

Youth Criminal Justice Act The YCJA was passed by parliament in 2003, it replaced the YOA (Young Offenders Act). Defines the consequences young people aged 12-17 face for criminal offences Some examples of consequences include counseling and community service Community service refers to help in the community performed as part of a sentence

Youth Criminal Justice Act The YCJA prohibits adult sentences for youth under the age of 14 A sentence refers to a consequence for a crime determined by a court of law (ex. imprisonment) Allows adult sentences for serious crimes committed by youth 14 years of age or older

Youth Criminal Justice Act The YCJA protects the privacy of offenders, their name is not published unless they receive an adult sentence Most avoid a criminal record, a permanent record of breaking the law which is made public

Criminal Code of Canada Defines consequences for adult law breakers Going to court is a usual consequence Defines adult sentences which can include long term imprisonment Allows media to publish names Creates a Criminal Record for most offenders

What consequences do young people face when they break the law?

If two young people of the same age commit the same crime, would you expect them to face the same consequences?

Under the YCJA, they may or may not Under the YCJA, they may or may not. To what extent is this approach to justice equitable?

Consequences Before the YCJA, (so under the YOA) every young offender went to court, which meant: Offenders didn’t face consequences for a long time Consequences often didn’t connect back to the people and communities the offence affected

Determining Factors Factors that determine consequences: Seriousness of offence History (race?) Attitude Circumstances

Do you think that young people do not understand their actions in the same way as adults? Why or why not? What about consequences?

Principles of the YCJA 1. Prevent crime by addressing the circumstances underlying a young person’s offending behavior 2. Rehabilitate young persons who commit offences and reintegrate them into society Rehabilitate – to instill positive attitudes and behaviors Reintegrate – to make part of again

Principles of the YCJA 3. Ensure meaningful consequences to promote long term protection of society 4. Must be separate from the adult justice system due to reduced maturity

Police forces – local, provincial and federal – are responsible for upholding the YCJA. To what extent should individual circumstances affect justice?

Are the consequences for young offenders appropriate?

Page 72 & 73 For each article, think about: The main idea of each What does the article say about the fairness and equity of the justice system? Work in partners to complete the questions for each article.

Political Cartoon – Pg. 74 What symbols does the cartoon use? What situation does the cartoon show? What’s the message?

What role do Canadian citizens’ play in the fairness & equity of Canada’s justice system for youth?

What responsibilities do jurors have? What is a jury? 12 jurors must have unanimous verdict (decision) Anyone 18 years or older who is a Canadian citizen can be a juror Considered a duty Must make arrangements if summoned Employers don’t have to pay you

What responsibilities do jurors have? Citizens only exempt if they can demonstrate that being a juror creates undue hardship To what extent are the rules for jury duty fair and equitable? What factors need to be considered?

Terms Jurors Need to Know Defense Evidence of innocence, lawyer who represents accused, witnesses Prosecution Evidence that supports guilt Sequester Remove from contact to ensure only evidence presented in the courtroom is considered

What do Justice Advocacy Groups do?

What are advocacy groups? Advocacy groups act independent from the government They try to solve underlying reasons for crime Provide public education about laws and the justice system Work with youth and adults who have broken the law to help them return to their communities

What are advocacy groups? Stand up for accused rights Call for measure to improve fairness The Elizabeth Fry Society Women and girls The John Howard Society Men, women, boys and girls

What role do elders play in the justice system? Youth Justice Committees reflect the idea of sentencing circles Come from Aboriginal culture, idea that crime harms everyone in a community and the community must be involved in solution Elders play part as respected members of the community

English 20-2 Of Mice of Men Chapter 3 Questions to follow Tomorrow and Friday will be to work on questions/sketches/charts and start your essay. EVERYTHING is due on Wednesday November 12

Update: Thursday – Work on Assignments, receive essay topic (plan for essay) Friday – UPDATED: Open BOOK quiz. Will cover chapters 1-3. This is because ENOUGH of you are not actually reading the book. You will NOT be allowed to use electronic devices for this so… get a book!